January Highlights
A total of (thirty-eight) 38 members and guests gathered at Chartiers Country Club for the January 8, 2014 luncheon meeting. The following first-time attendees were introduced: Richard Kreider and Paul Peoples of Campbell Transportation Company; and Port of Pittsburgh Guests: Jeff Lillycrop and Brian Tetreault.
Coast Guard News
CDR Lindsay Weaver addressed the following items:
· Industry was advised to maintain awareness of the changing ice formations on the river and prepare for any fleet impact due to the shifting ice.
· A seminar entitled, “LNG as Fuel seminar” has been scheduled for January 29th in Seattle. The seminar will explore the next steps in developing a compliance framework for the use of liquefied natural gas as a marine fuel source.
LTJG Devin Adams of the US Coast Guard covered all the current bridge updates, river activities and river closures that are included in the attached report.
Army Corp of Engineers
Mark Ivanisin, Supervisor of Operations on the Ohio River, covered the attached report.
A question was raised regarding the engineering study status for the Maxwell Lock & Dam. At this time, no results have been issued from the study.
National Weather Service
Joe Palko provided the attached report. REMINDER - the National Weather Service has taken a proactive approach to the river ice season and has been accepting river ice photos from industry crews. These will be posted on the National Weather Service Facebook page and distributed to industry members.
Port of Pittsburgh Commission Report
Jim McCarville presented the following information:
· Mary Ann Bucci and J.D. Fogarty will be conducting a workshop on the CMAQ process for subgrantees to aid them in application process.
· A Stakeholder Meeting will be scheduled for those attending the annual WCI Capitol Hill Visits in an effort to communicate with “one voice” during these visits that promote the Pittsburgh region issues.
· The User-Board will meet on Tuesday, January 14th to address Capital Improvement Plan priorities. We are currently number two and want to stay that way.
· Jeff Lillycrop and Brian Tetreault were again recognized for their efforts in promoting the Wireless Waterways System and the Waterways of the Future.
Education Committee Report
Michael Graham reported the following:
· Potential dates for the Man Overboard and Barge Breakaway Seminar are currently being reviewed. Due to company regulations, the Man Overboard water exercise may be held in a local pool. The Barge Breakaway Seminar will not longer rotate between Deckhand and Managerial emphasis but will be combined into one each year while maintaining a hands-on portion. These changes may also incorporate a new venue for said seminars. All efforts are being made to have this information finalized for the February meeting.
· There will be one “Who Works the Rivers” Program on October 14, 2014. Anyone interested in participating should contact Michael Graham at email: . Industry members are strongly encouraged to meet these young students and promote river careers.
· The Consortium for Public Education has requested that a group of 25 students participate in a “Who Works the River” program on April 21st. After some consideration, it was decided that if the number of participants increases to 50, we will proceed with this additional program.
Navigation Committee Report
Eunice Ratcliff was in attendance but was dealing with current river ice issues. Members are encouraged again to be extremely cautious during this icing to insure fleet safety.
Legislative Committee Report
Mark Devinney was unable to attend the meeting. David McQuiston provided the following items:
· The WRDA bill is now in final negotiations with several issues causing concerns. The Olmsted funding is different in each bill (100% in Senate Bill and 75% in House Bill).
· The annual Washington DC trip dates have been set for February 11-13, 2014. A room block has been established through the Waterways Association and eight (8) volunteers are being sought to participate in these important visits. Trip timeline is:
February 11th Arrival – WCI Seminar at noon (St. Regis Hotel)
*Following seminar, a meeting will be held to address the Capitol Hill group assignments.
February 12th Capitol Hill Visits followed by the Leadership Service Award Reception and Dinner honoring “our own” Senator Casey.
An email has been sent by Cheryll seeking volunteers for this annual trip. The Waterways Association of Pittsburgh does pay for the hotel and travel expenses to this annual event. If you wish to participate, please contact her directly at 724-355-4101 or by email .
Peter Stephaich of Campbell Transportation stressed that our local message is vital and that we speak with “one voice containing a unified message” when attending this Capitol Hill visits.
February Membership Meeting **NOTE DATE CHANGE
The next membership meeting is scheduled for February 19, 2014 at Chartiers Country Club. Cost of the luncheon will be $25. Registration will begin at 11:45 a.m. with lunch served promptly at noon. Please call, email or fax the response form below by Thursday, February 13, 2014 if you plan on attending the luncheon meeting.
Waterways Association of Pittsburgh
Meeting Response Form
Chartiers Country Club
February 19, 2014
Menu:
Italian Minestrone Soup
Braised Beef Tips w/Burgundy Wine served over buttered egg noodles
Glazed Carrots
Cherry Crisp w/vanilla ice cream
Iced Tea and Coffee Service
Cost: $25/per member
_____ YES, I will be attending
_____ No, I will not be attending
**Special Dietary Requirements:______
NAME: ______
(Please print)
COMPANY: ______
Please respond by Thursday, February 13, 2014 to:
Cheryll Cranmer
Phone: (724) 355-4101
Fax: (724) 285-4999
Email: